Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents arrested a Gonzales man on July 13 for three counts of negligent homicide for his alleged role in the death of three Gonzales citizens following a boating incident in Lake Maurepas in May.

Agents arrested Blake Carronna, 25, who was the operator of a boat when it spun out of control fatally wounding three people and injuring another on May 29, and booked him into the Livingston Parish Jail. Carronna was also cited for two counts of reckless operation of a watercraft.

Agents also cited Thomas White, 24, of Gonzales, who was the other survivor, for one count of reckless operation of a watercraft. White suffered arm and pelvic injuries from the boating incident.

Authorities found the bodies of Anna Hite, 20, Ryan Ducote, 24, and Mikayla Thibodeaux, 14, all of Gonzales, in the days following the incident.

Agents also cited Carronna and White for not having enough personal flotation devices for everyone on board, failure to change ownership of registration and overloading a motorboat. Carronna was also cited for negligent injury.

Negligent homicide carries up to a five-year jail term and $5,000 in fines. For negligent injury, Carronna faces up to $500 in fines and six months in jail. Reckless operation of a watercraft carries up to $500 in fines and 30 days in jail. The boating safety citations bring a $50 fine and up to 15 days in jail.

For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.
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